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Taxability of Retired District of Columbia Firefighter Annuity Payments

Contributions made to the District of Columbia Police Officers and Firefighter’s Retirement Plan (the “Plan”) by firefighters prior to July 18, 1999, were on a post-tax basis. Because these contributions were made after tax, these firefighters qualify to receive tax exclusion on the pension benefit they receive from the Plan as calculated under the IRS Simplified Method. This tax exclusion recognizes that these firefighters previously paid taxes on their contributions and avoids their being taxed twice. This does not mean that the entire annuity payment is non-taxable. The tax exclusion identifies the portion of the total value of the benefit that reflects taxed contributions and excludes that percentage from future taxation. To determine the amount of the tax exclusion, please refer to IRS Publication 575 Pension and Annuity Income or consult with a tax advisor.

Please note however, that benefits paid from the Plan to firefighters who retire under 100% disability due to performance in the line of duty are entirely non-taxable.